parent manual eng - brockton public schoolsat the school registration and parent information center....

Brockton Public SchoolsDepartment of Bilingual/ESL Services

www.brocktonpublicschools.com

Welcome to The Brockton Public Schools! The Brockton Public SchoolSystem has a diverse student population and currently services students froma variety of countries, including Albania, Angola, Brazil, Cambodia, CapeVerde, China, Haiti, India, Korea, Laos, Lithuania, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal,Romania, Russia, Turkey, Vietnam, and several Spanish-speaking countries.The system is committed to offering the highest quality of educationalservices to all students, including English language learners. The Departmentof Bilingual/ESL Services administers programs for English language learn-ers with the goal of developing English language proficiency and achievingstate content-area standards, while simultaneously valuing their native lan-guages and cultural backgrounds.

W elcome

M issionThe mission of the Brockton Public Schools’ programs for Englishlanguage learners is to enable students of limited English proficiencyto develop the linguistic, cognitive, cultural, and self-concept skillsnecessary for success in the Brockton Public Schools and beyond.The students will accomplish this development in an atmosphere ofunderstanding, cooperation, and support.

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1. English language learners require the ability to understand,speak, read, and write English with near-native fluency torealize their full potential within the English speaking society.

2. The most successful programs are those that develop a positive self-concept in each student, while they continue to develop their Englishproficiency.

3. Teachers should have high expectations of all students, regardless ofthe student’s background or academic preparation.

4. Teachers must help students in adjusting to cultural, language, andattitudinal differences.

5. Students in heterogeneous groupings learn from each other as well asfrom the teacher.

6. The ability to speak more than one language is a valuable asset, andone that should be recognized as such.

E ducational Philosophy

B enefits of Knowing TwoLanguages

Brockton Public Schools’ programs for English language learnerspromote mastery of the English language in a culturally and linguisti-cally sensitive environment. However, it is important not to neglect astudent’s first language. Continuing to develop native language athome does not interfere with English language acquisition. In fact,the research shows that it helps the process.

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There are many benefits of knowing more than one language. Economically,there is an increased demand for bilingual employees throughout the world.Socially, the United States is a diverse society with many languages andcultures represented. In addition, research shows that knowing more thanone language increases a person’s thinking abilities. Bilingual students havegreater cognitive flexibility, and that flexibility can transfer into academicsuccess.

Brockton Public Schools has begun a two-way language program inSpanish/English at the elementary level. Features of this program include:

• Native-Spanish and native-English speakers work together to learnboth English and Spanish.

• All students learn to read, write, and speak in both Spanish andEnglish. Students learn the two languages while they learn contentconcepts in math, science, and social studies.

• Students also learn from each other about the two languages and thecultures of the people who speak those two languages.

• Program is located at the Arnone Elementary School.

• Entrance into this program is determined by lottery and allowed atkindergarten only.

E lementary Two-WayLanguage Program

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English language learners enrolled in the kindergarten programreceive sheltered instruction in structured English immersion class-rooms. All instruction and instructional materials are in English, andteachers make use of specific strategies to promote vocabulary, lit-eracy, and English language skills. English language learners areidentified through a home language survey and, if necessary, Englishlanguage proficiency assessments.

Immersion classrooms with language support are available for:

K indergarten StructuredEnglish Immersion Program

• Haitian Half-Dayo located at the Davis

Schoolo transportation provided

by school system

• Low-Incidence Half Day*o located at the Davis


by school system

• Spanish Half-Dayo located at the Goddard


by school system

• Cape Verdean Full-Dayo located at the Gilmore

Schoolo placement determined

by lottery systemo parents provide trans-

portation

• Cape Verdean Half-Dayo located at the Davis


by school system

*Low incidence populations include any non-native English speakingcommunity whose student enrollment are few in numbers.

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• All curriculum materials and instruction are in English, and nativelanguage is used minimally to help clarify concepts and skills.Brockton Public Schools makes every effort to provide nativelanguage support.

• Teachers make use of specific teaching techniques that assist studentsin learning English and content skills and concepts. These strategiesinclude connecting new information to prior experiences and learn-ing, using visuals and language to assist in comprehension, andproviding opportunities to practice language skills in safe, supportiveenvironments.

Immersion classrooms with native speaking teachers are available for:• Cape Verdean Creole

o Located at BelmontStreet, Davis, andGilmore Elementaryschools

• Haitian Creoleo located at the

Kennedy ElementarySchool

• Portugueseo located at the Angelo

Elementary School

• Spanisho located at the Arnone

Elementary School

In immersion classrooms with low incidence populations, or in classroomswhere the teacher does not speak the student’s native language, nativelanguage support may be provided through teacher aides or otherpersonnel.

E lementary StructuredEnglish Immersion Program

In grades 1 through 6, English language learners receive sheltered instructionin structured English immersion classrooms. These are some of the featuresof English immersion classrooms:

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J unior High SchoolProgram Offerings

Grades 7-8 at East Junior High School

All students who are learning English as a second language will have twoclasses in learning English. The elements of the junior high ESL classesinclude:

• One class will be focused on reading and writing.

• The second on the development of other English skills, includ-ing speaking and listening.

• These two classes are taught by teachers of English as a sec-ond language.

• Materials used in these classes are all in English and are ap-propriate for students learning a second language.

The structured English immersion program will be offered to allEnglish language learners whose parents do not request a waiver. Inaddition, students for whom there is no bilingual education programoption will be placed in structured English immersion classes. Fea-tures of structured English immersion at the junior high include:

• All instruction occurs in English and all materials are in En-glish.

• Materials used are appropriate for students learning English asa second language.

• Teachers make use of specific teaching techniques that assiststudents in learning English and subject area concepts andskills.

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• Teachers may use native language minimally to provideclarification.

• The classes are offered in the academic subject areas of mathematics,social studies, science, health, and computers.

Transitional bilingual education services are offered for Haitian, CapeVerdean, and Spanish speaking students, whose parents request a waiver.Features of bilingual education at the junior high include:

• The classes are offered in the academic subject areas of mathematics,social studies, science, health, and computers.

• These classes are taught by teachers who speak the students’ nativelanguage.

• Teachers may use some materials that are in students’ native language.

• Teachers use English and the native language in content area classesto help students understand academic concepts.

• Teachers encourage students when appropriate to respondorally and in writing in English.

Each year, parentswishing their childrento participate in thetransitional bilingualeducation programmust visit the schooland request a waiverfrom the requiredstructured English im-mersion programs.

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S enior High SchoolProgram Offerings

All students who are learning English as a second language will have one fullyear class and a half year class in learning English. The elements of the highschool ESL classes include:

• These classes are taught by English as a second language teachers.

• Materials used in these classes are all in English and are appropriatefor students learning English as a second language.

The structured English immersion program will be offered to allEnglish language learners whose parents do not request a waiver. Inaddition, students for whom there is no bilingual education programoption will be placed in structured English immersion classes. Fea-tures of structured English immersion at the senior high level include:

• All instruction occurs in English and all materials are in English.

• Teachers may use native language minimally to provide clarifi-cation.

• Materials used are appropriate for students learning English as asecond language.

• Teachers make use of specific teaching techniques that assist stu-dents in learning English and subject area concepts and skills.

• The classes will be offered in the academic subject areas of math-ematics, social studies, and science.

Grades 9-12 at Brockton High School

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Transitional bilingual education services are offered for Haitian, CapeVerdean, Portuguese, and Spanish speaking students, whose parents requesta waiver. Features of bilingual education at the high school level include:

• The classes are offered in the academic subject areas of math-ematics, social studies, and science.

• These classes are taught by teachers who speak the students’native language.

• Teachers will use materials in English or materials that are appropri-ate for students who are learning English as a second languagebecause of the difficulty in locating materials in other languages.

• Teachers may use some materials that are in students’ nativelanguage.

• Teachers use English and the native language in content areaclasses to help students understand academic concepts.

• Teachers encourage students when appropriate to respond orallyand in writing in English.

Each year, parentswishing their chil-dren to participatein the transitionalbilingual educationprogram must visitthe school and re-quest a waiverfrom the requiredstructured Englishimmersion pro-grams.

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When registering, families are asked to complete a home language survey tohelp identify English language learners for proper placement. If the surveyindicates that another language is spoken at home or by the student and/orfamily, the department will gather information to determine proper place-ment. This information may come from previous school’s records, teachers,or language proficiency tests that the Department of Bilingual/ESL Servicesadministers.

S tudent Registraton

There is a variety of the tests available to assess language proficiencythat the department may use. These tests are carefully chosen fordevelopmental, linguistic, cultural, and age appropriateness. Thesetests are used to assess all the different ways English is used atschools – reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Placement recom-mendation takes into consideration all these areas of language profi-ciency and is not solely made on the ability to speak English.

Parents will be notified about the results of any tests administered and inwhich program the Department of Bilingual/ESL recommends forstudent placement.

R egistration ProceduresAll students entering grades one through eight should be registered at theSchool Registration and Parent Information Center located at 144 MainStreet on the 3rd floor. Entering kindergarteners are registered either at thespring registration sessions at selected neighborhood schools, or afterwardsat the School Registration and Parent Information Center. High schoolstudents should be registered at Brockton High School, located at 470Forest Avenue. At these sites, there are assistants who speak French,Haitian Creole, Spanish, Cape Verdean Creole, and Portuguese.Chinese and Hmong assistants may also be made available. Thefollowing documents are required when registering a student:

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• A copy of the child’s immuni-zation record. The record mustshow the month and year ofeach immunization, includingthe varicella vaccine or proofof chicken pox. Most pass-ports include this information.Kindergarten students mustalso have a lead screening testand 3 doses of Hepatitis B.

• Evidence of Brockton resi-dency. Parents/guardians mustprovide a copy of a currentlease, recent utility bill, recentmortgage receipt, recent taxbill, or valid driver’s licensewith a matching home address.

• A copy of the child’s Indi-vidual Education Plan (I.E.P.)if the child receives SpecialEducation services.

• If they have attended schoolin another district in Massa-chusetts, a copy of the Massa-chusetts Transfer Card fromthe child’s previous schoolyear.

• Evidence of complete name,date and city of birth (birthcertificate, passport).

For more information and updated registration procedures, contact theSchool Registration and Parent Information Center at 508-580-7950.

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W aiversIf a family believes that the student should be placed in a program otherthan that which the Department of Bilingual/ESL Services recommends, thefamily has a right to request a waiver for alternate placement. The alternateplacement may be for a bilingual education program or for a general educa-tion program. The Department of Bilingual/ESL Services may request ameeting to discuss placement and to ensure that the student is placed in aprogram that will increase both academic content area and Englishlanguage skills.

P arent Involvement

The Department of Bilingual/ESL Services established a monitoring andplacement system for all students enrolled in its programs. The STEPprogram convenes a school-based Language Assessment Team twice a yearto assess progress and to make placement or exit recommendations. Thisteam includes the classroom teacher, the school adjustment counselor, theLanguage Assessment Team chairperson, and may include other schoolpersonnel, such as Title I teachers, reading resource specialists, principals,and assistant principals.

The Language Assessment Team compiles assessment and classroom perfor-mance data, social adjustment information, and language and academic skillsacquisition to make an informed recommendation about services and place-ment. The team does not make decisions to exit students from programsuntil those students have fulfilled the necessary criteria to function success-fully in a monolingual setting.

W M onitoring & ExitingStudents from Programs

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The Department of Bilingual/ESL Services encourages families to becomeinvolved in their children’s schooling. Community Facilitators are availableto translate and to act as a liaison between the parent and school. There areopportunities to become involved in your school and in the department.One such way is through the Bilingual Parent Advisory Council (PAC).There are PACs for the Portuguese, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and CapeVerdean Creole speaking communities. Parents of low incidence popula-tions are also invited to participate in Parent Advisory Council meetings.The Department of Bilingual/ESL Services holds at least two PAC meet-ings throughout the year. Parents are notified by mail whenever PACmeetings are to be held and are in the language of the PAC members.



Community Facilitators keep parents informed of all Parent AdvisoryCouncil meetings.

Parent liaisons, situated in all our schools, help to enhance the home-school-community connection. In their capacities, the parent liaisonswelcome parents to the schools, coordinate school tours, publish schoolnewsletters, and conduct open house orientation sessions for new families.

In addition, they recruit parent volunteers, coordinate parent workshops,send out flyers, make telephone calls, conduct surveys of parent andteacher needs and interests. Their duties also entail inviting and encourag-ing parents to their school to join or attend the PAC/Parent Teacher Orga-nization (PTO)/Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meetings. They under-stand the importance of providing a warm, welcoming and positive experi-ence for all families visiting the schools.

You can become involved in your school in a variety of ways. TheBrockton Public Schools Parent Involvement Program includes activities inthe following areas: volunteering, parenting, school decision making,comunicating, student learning, and collaborating with the community.

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N ondiscriminationThe Brockton Public School System does not discriminate on the basis ofrace, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, veteran’s status, sexual orienta-tion or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in or employment in itsprograms and activities.

The Brockton School Committee has designated Kenneth H. Sennett, Ed.D.,Senior Director for Pupil Personnel Services, as the school system’s equityofficer for students, vested with the authority and responsibility of

Families of English language learners and parents who are English languagelearners themselves are entitled to certain civil rights regarding languageservices.

• Families are entitled to receive school information in a language thatis comprehensible to them. This means that if you are Spanishspeaking, you are entitled to receive school notices (including reportcards, assessment reports, teacher communications, etc.) inSpanish.

• Parents are also entitled to translators in meetings if necessary.• Title VI of the federal Civil Rights Act requires that English language

learners be provided language support services until they are profi-cient enough in English to participate meaningfully in the district’seducation program.”

• Title VI does not permit a limitation on the amount of time a stu

C ivil Rights

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processing all complaints of discrimination brought under the provi-sions of the statues listed below. Dr. Sennett has also been designedat the district’s Secion 504 Coordinator and the Sexual HarassmentOfficer. Any student who feels that he or she has been harassed ordiscriminated against because of his or her race, color, national origin,religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, or disability should contactDr. Sennett whose office is located in the Crosy Administration Abilityat 43 Crescent Street, Brockton MA 02301-4311, 508-894-4266. If thestudent prefers, he or she may file a complaint with any teacher orcounselor, who will then bring the complaint to the attention of theEquity officer.

LEGAL REFS: Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504Education for all Handicapped Children Act of 1975M.G.L. 7B: 1 et seq. Chapt. 766 & the Acts of 1972Title II, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1964Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972Civil Rights Restoration Act (1988)Age Discrimination of Employment Act (ADEA)Equal Pay Act



Title VI states that students are entitled to receive counseling services in theirnative languages. Bilingual counselors address adjustment, personal, social,educational, or vocational needs of ELL students. In addition, the bilingualcounselor provides language and cultural interpretation and consultation withparents, teachers, support staff, and special education personnel. The coun-selor works with students and their families when behavioral or adjustmentproblems are causing difficulties at home and/or affecting school perfor-mance. The Brockton Public Schools employs a number of adjustment andguidance counselors in the following languages:

• Cape Verdean Creole/Portuguese• Haitian Creole/French• Spanish

C ounseling Services

The Massachusetts Department of Education and the federal governmentrequire a variety of assessments be administered to students. In addition,Brockton Public Schools administers a nationally-normed standardized testcalled the Iowa. These scores are used to determine individual, school, anddistrict progress. Some assessments are administered to all students, whileothers are administered only to English language learners.

A ssessment

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dent can receive language support services. Students areexited from programs for English language learners once thestudents have demonstrated an ability to participate meaningfully in the general education program, as monitored by theLanguage Assessment Teams.

No school personnel have the right to ask about your visa status or for yoursocial security number. Federal lunch forms request social security number,but families can indicate that they don’t have one.

E nglish LanguageProficiency Assessments

• MELA-O (Massachusetts English Language Assessment – Oral)o Grades PreK-12o Levels help determine English oral language proficiency

• MEPA (Massachusetts English Proficiency Assessment)o Grades 3-12

o Levels help determine English reading and writing development

A cademic AssessmentsAdministered to All

Students • Iowa

o Grades 2-8o Levels determine English academic achievement

• MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System)o Grades 3-10o Levels determine academic and content area performance

Educators who work within programs for English language learners holdappropriate content area licenses, for example, elementary education, science,

T eacher Qualifications

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The Brockton Community Schools programs offered through the BrocktonPublic Schools are open to students, families, and community membersbefore, during, and after school throughout the year. Adult education,extended day, and after school programs are all important components of ourcommunity education offerings. Community education opens the doors ofschool buildings to everyone as it serves all ages in the community. It is away for people to enhance their lives and communities through learning andcollaboration. Our primary goal is to offer a safe and nurturing place for ourchildren and also to provide out community members with opportunities tolearn, grow, and enrich their lives. Community Schools may be contacted bytelephone at 508-580-7595. The Community Schools programs currentlyoffered includes:

• Adult Learning Center• After School Programs• Community Basketball• Driver Education• Expressway to English/ESL• MCAS Academic Support• SAT Review• Smart Start Extended Day• Summer Programs

C ommunity Schools

history, mathematics, etc. In addition, bilingual teachers hold licenses intransitional bilingual education, which include language proficiency standards.Sheltered English Immersion and English as a Second Language teachersmay have additional licenses in ESL, or bilingual education, and have under-gone specific educational training in sheltered instruction techniques andstrategies.

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C ommunityResources

Better Beginnings, a program of Brockton Hospital, is a program designedto assist women through the pregnancy process. The program has advocatesproficient in the following languages: Spanish (508-941-7569), Cape Verdean(508-941-7370), Portuguese (508-941-7371), French or Haitian Creole (508-580-7368, and English (508-941-7530) Better Beginnings provides thefollowing services:

• Perform pregnancy testing• Help for mothers who don’t have any health insurance• Find a doctor or nurse mid-fife with whom mothers can trust

and feel comfortable• Schedule mothers first appointments with the doctor and mid

wife• Make follow-up appointments, if necessary, and provide inter-

preting services when needed• Follow mothers’ progress and provide support during preg-

nancy and after delivery• Offer free childbirth education classes in English, Spanish,

Cape Verdean Creole, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, and French• Provide information about pediatricians who will care for

babies throughout their childhood• Offer/refer parents to support groups

Brockton Adult Learning Center (ALC), a program of Brockton PublicSchools, is a comprehensive adult basic education program designed to helpadults improve their reading, writing, speaking, listening, math, and problemsolving skills. Supported by grants from the Massachusetts Department ofEducation and local matching funds, the ALC is open to adults fromBrockton and surrounding communities at no cost to students.

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Brockton Hospital, located at 680 Center Street, employs bilingualphysicians and outreach workers who speak Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian, andCape Verdean. In addition, Brockton Hospital’s Children and Youth Program(telephone number 508-583-2900) offers a full range of services for new-borns up to age 18 that include:

The ALC is located at the Paine School at 211 Crescent Street. It can bereached by phone at 508-580-7475.

The ALC offers a wide range of personalized classes met to meed individualneeds. These classes are taughed by highly qualified teaching staff bothmornings and evenings. Classes offered include:

• Beginning Literacy• Intermediate Literacy• GED Preparation• Math• Writing• Citizenship Preparation• Beginning ESOL• Intermediate ESOL• Advanced ESOL• Family Literacy• Computer Assisted Instruction

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker• Lab Services• Public Outreach• Pediatric Services• Adult Medicine• Reach Out and Read early literacy program• Adolescent Clinic• Translation Services

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Brockton Neighbors United (BNU) is a community connections coalitionthat organizes development and implementation of family support systemsin order to prevent child abuse and neglect. The agency, located at 144 MainStreet, may be contact by telephone at 508-588-5099. BNU has three com-mittees with individual goals:

• Creating Links – to decrease isolation in the community by increas-ing awareness of the benefits of a well-connected and interconnectedcommunity

• Health – to decrease the number of children not covered by healthinsurance and to improve community mental health services toachieve positive outcomes for children and families

• Education – to increase the number of children from the target areawho graduate from high school

Brockton Neighborhood Health Center is a multicultural organizationthat collaborates with community agencies and residents to provide highquality comprehensive health care that is responsive to community healthneeds and is linguistically, culturally, and financially accessible. The center islocated at 157 Main Street and may be reached by telephone at 508-559-6699. The Center’s fee structure is based on the patient’s ability to pay, andprovides free care for those who cannot afford insurance and who do notqualify for other health benefit programs. The staff members speak thefollowing languages: Cape Verdean Creole, English, French, Haitian Creole, Portu-guese, and Spanish. The Brockton Neighborhood Health Center provides awide range of health services for adults and children:

• Adult Medicine• Gynecology/Prenatal Care• Pediatrics• Family Practice• Routine Doctor’s Office Visits• Vaccinations/Check ups• Eye Exams/Hearing Screening• HIV Services• Teen Clinic• Dental Services

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Brockton Public Library System consists of the main, downtown libraryand two branches. The in-house resources include a collection of morethan 140,000 books, 1,700 videos, and 1,000 audio tapes; computers forInternet access and word processing; museum passes for the entire family;and historical resources to assist you with your genealogical needs. Thelibrary can also easily access the collections of 24 other area librariesthrough our participation in the Old Colony Library Network. The threelocations offer various programs for people of all ages. There is a “ProjectOutreach” service for those who are homebound and cannot visit thelibrary. All of the programs and services are available to any member of thepublic, but a library card is needed to borrow library materials or use theInternet.

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• Main Libraryo 304 Main St., Brockton, MA 02301o Telephone: (508) 580-7890o Hours: Mon., Tues. 12 P.M. - 8 P.M.; Weds. - Sat. 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.

• East Brancho 54 Kingman St., Brockton, MA 02302o Telephone: (508) 580-7892o Hours: Mon., Weds., Sat. 9 A.M.-5 P.M. ; Tues. & Thurs. 1-9 P.M.

• West Brancho 540 Forest Ave., Brockton, MA 02301o Telephone: (508) 580-7894o Hours: Mon. & Weds. 1-9 P.M.; Tues., Fri., Sat. 9 A.M.-5 P.M.

Brockton Service Alliance (BSA) is a non-profit agency that seeks to linkimmigrants to services and aims to develop strategic alliances that can bebeneficial to the immigrants, the community, and the service providers. Theagency, located at 144 Main Street, is open Monday through Friday from 9:00a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and can be reached by telephone at 508-588-6699. Staffmembers can assist clients in Haitian Creole, French, Spanish, and English.The BSA provides assistance in three core areas:

• Immigration – affidavits of support, citizenship applications, caseand visa support, document translation and interpreter service

• Employment – authorization and work renewals, I-485 green cardapplications, loan and mortgage applications

• Education – citizenship tutoring and classes, ESOL classes

Catholic Charities South – Community Service Center is located at 686North Main Street and may be reached by telephone at 508-587-0815. TheCommunity Service Center provides community services in six areas:

• Families and Childreno Young Parents – counseling, parent education, service provider

referrals, and support groupso Healthy Families – home visits, parenting education, and

outreacho Parent Support – home visits, parent skill building, community

supports, and parent-child visitation for children in fostercare

• Initial Responseo Food pantries in Brockton and Plymoutho Emergency service assistanceo Community resources referrals

• Immigrationo ESL Classeso Literacy Classeso Health, Education, Employment referrals

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• Adoptiono Counseling birth parentso Training for pre-adoption parentso Placement and post-placement assistanceo Legal processeso Adoption Search

• Behavioral Healtho Mental Health Clinic – full range of mental health services for

depression, marital problems, parenting issues, substanceabuse, and other mental health issues

o Addiction Services – inpatient, residential, outpatient, andcommunity based services

• Job Training and Educationo Job training for parents transitioning from welfareo Life skills developmento Employment Referrals

The Cape-Verdean Association of Brockton, Inc. is a non-profitorganization who receives funding from different sources to provide servicesto the Cape Verdean Community. It is located at 575 N. Montello Street,Brockton, MA 02301. The Association’s telephone number is (508) 559-0056. Programs that are offered include:

• Department of Social Services - The association provides inhome services to Cape Verdeans who are involved in the DSSsystem.

• Brockton Alliance for Youth - The goal of this program is toprovide youth services to Cape Verdean youth in three areas: soccer,dance and karate.

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Centro Hispano Asociación San Martin de Porres, located at 155 Cres-cent Street provides the Latino community with information on how toobtain basic services, become independent and improve their lives. Thecenter is open Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. OnWednesday, it is open until 9:00 p.m. The center’s telephone number is 508-584-2241.The center’s services include:

• Housing - solving problems with utility companies, landlords,housing and inspection codes, applying for Section 8 and 707 hous-ing, and completing fuel assistance application

• Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program - referrals toresidential, recovery, and detoxification programs, workshops, andsupport groups

• AIDS Education Prevention Program - youth classes, supportgroups, counseling and advocacy

• Employment - referrals to obtain employment and referrals totraining programs

• Education - services to assist in obtaining scholarships, and GEDand ESL referrals

• MassCall of the Boys and Girls Club - This program is run inthree 13 week sessions. The goal is to educate youth about thedangers of substance abuse as well as prevention.

• Senior Program - The organization provides assistance to seniorsthrough welfare, SSI, Mass health, and home visits.

• Education - The association provides ESL, GED, and Citizenshipclasses to members of the Cape Verdean community and others for acost of $40.00 a year for registration.

• Peers Project -: This program is connected with University ofMassachusetts of Boston and the goal is to educate parents abouttheir rights within the school system and how to advocate for theirstudents. This program also provides parents with workshops onvarious topics such as after school programs, MCAS, and manyothers.

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Haitian Multi Service Center is the largest social service agency servingthe Haitian Community in the Greater Boston area. It is a non-profitorganization whose mission is to serve, in a linguistically and culturallysensitive manner, the needs of the Haitian Community, numbered at 75,000-80,000, and to foster economic and social self-sufficiency. The Haitian MultiService Center is located at 12 Bicknell St. in Dorchester and may be reachedby telephone at (617) 436-2848. The center’s services include:

• Adult Education (Literacy, ESL,GED, Native Language Literacy)• Citizenship• Computer Literacy• Education for Employment• Day Care• Immigration and Refugee Assistance• Food Pantry• Pregnancy and Parenting Support Programs• Breast Cancer Education and Prevention• Haitian Elder Support

• AIDS/HIV Education, Case Management, and PeerSupport

• Legal Services - advice on legal and health problems, informationand referrals for obtaining counseling on marriage, divorce, ordomestic problems

• Culture - fieldtrips and summer camp referrals, sporting and culturalevents

• Food Pantry

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• Community Health -Promoting healthy behaviors and lifestylesthrough culturally and linguistically competent

interventions.o Counseling and Testingo Health educationo Health promotiono Disease preventiono Chronic disease management

• Clinical Services - Addressing the behavioral health needs of theLatin American population of the greater Boston area.

o Substance Abuse Clinico Mental Health Clinico HIV case managemento HIV Youth serviceso Family therapeutic services

• Social Services - Improving the health and well being ofindividuals and families through culturally appropriate services.

o Client Advocacyo Case Managemento Employment Counselingo Immigration Service

Latino Health Institute, located at 157 Centre Street, is a public healthorganization that offers variety of programs and services for the Latinocommunity. Its telephone number is 508-941-0005. The institute providesservices in three divisions:

The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS), withlocations in Cambridge, Somerville, Allston, Dorchester, and Lowell, pro-vides health and social services assistance for Portuguese speakers in Massa-chusetts. Its central administration may be contacted at 617-864-7600. Allservices are provided by bilingual, bicultural staff from the Portuguese-speaking community. Program areas include:

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• Immigrant Social Services• Adolescent Intensive Services• Family-Based Services for children who are victims

of abuse and neglect• Home Ownership Assistance• Elder Services• Mental Health Services• Domestic Violence Prevention; Batterer Intervention• Educational Programs• Disease Prevention/Education Services around HIV,

substance abuse, tobacco, chronic disease andcancer prevention

• HIV Counseling & Testing, AIDS CaseManagement

• Youth Peer Leadership• Substance Abuse Outpatient Counseling and Acupunc

ture Detoxification; and Driver Alcohol Education

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Southeastern Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (SMLAC)is a private non-profit law firm providing legal assistance to eligiblelow-income clients in civil matters, without charge and has an office at 231Main Street, Suite 201. Its telephone number is 1-800-244-8393. SMLACprovides assistance in the following areas:

• Housing – provides advice and representation to tenants regardingevictions, health code violations, termination from rental subsidies,foreclosures, discrimination, utility shut-off, and more

• Education – provides legal assistance in school discipline and specialeducation (Chapter 766) cases

South Shore Haitians United for Progress (SHUP), located at 144 MainStreet, was founded in 1997 to provide referral services to Haitiannewcomers living and working south of Boston. SHUP may be contactedvia telephone at 508-427-5823. Currently, SHUP advocates and providesreferral services in four core areas:

• Employmento Referrals to appropriate Adult Basic Education (ABE) and

Career Works Employment Centero Use of SHUP job board and local resourceso Outreach to local corporations and others in the business

community

• Housingo Referrals to rental businesses, agencies, Brockton Housing

Authority, when appropriateo Use of SHUP housing network and local resources

• Elders – provides legal assistance in civil matters to seniors, those 60years of age or older, living in Bristol and Plymouth counties

• Public Benefits – provides advice and representation to clients whohave these public benefits problems: food stamps, TAFDC, Emer-gency assistance, Medicare/Mass Health, SSI and Social Secu-rity, Disability, and Unemployment Compensation

• Domestic Relations/Domestic Violence – provides representa-tion in domestic relations cases. Domestic violence cases receive thehighest priority.

• Immigration – assist in immigration matters involving adjustmentof status, applications for citizenship, work authorization, andimmigration implications for abused spouses attempting to end therelationship

• Group Representation – provides legal assistance to eligiblecommunity groups who require legal assistance in achievingtheir goals, and to newly incorporating community groups

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• Adult Educationo Referrals to ABEs, MA Citizenship Assistance Program

(CAP), when appropriateo Enrollment in SHUP’s ESOL or native language Haitian

Kreyol speakers classes

• Public Healtho Referrals to Healthcare providerso Dissemination of Health insurance programs information in Kreyolo Interpretation and translation services for accompanying

patients to doctors’ visits

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C ommunityFacilitators

Brockton Public Schools employs community facilitators who work withfamilies in a variety of ways, including assisting during the registrationprocess, translating during meetings, and assisting families in obtaining andunderstanding school and community resources. Community Facilitatorscan be contacted by calling the Department of Bilingual/ESL Services at508-580-7508.

Cape Verdean Community Facilitators:Jose De Andrade

Connie Jonet-BrancoAugusto MartinsCristalina Pereira

Chinese Community Facilitator:King Wong

Haitian Community Facilitator:Marie LeMarre

Hmong Community Facilitator:Bee Khang

Portuguese Community Facilitator:Manuela Santos

Spanish Community Facilitators:Miriam AlmeidaEldra Martinez

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D epartment AdministrativePersonnel

Dr. Kenneth H. Sennett, Senior Director for Pupil Personnel Services:Senior Director who supervises the departments of Special Education,Bilingual/ESL Services, Guidance and Counseling Services, SchoolHealth Services, and Assessment Services. His office is located in theCrosby Administration Building at 43 Crescent Street, Brockton, MA02301. His telephone number is 508-580-4266.

Jose M. Pinheiro, Director of Bilingual/ESL Services: Responsible forthe overall supervision of the department including evaluation andhiring of personnel, staff development and training, parent involve-ment, program budget, and coordination with other departments. Hisoffice is located in the Crosby Administration Building at 43 CrescentStreet, Brockton, MA 02301. His telephone number is 508-580-7508.

Dr. Margaret Adams, Department Head for Bilingual/ESL Services(K-8): Assists the Director in the completion of all tasks necessary inthe administration of programs for English language learners at the K-8 level. Her office is located in the Crosby Administration Building at43 Crescent Street, Brockton, MA 02301. Her telephone number is508-580-7508.

Ana Carreiro-Lopes, Department Head for Bilingual/ESL Services(9-12): Assists the Director in the completion of all tasks necessary inthe administration of programs for English language learners at the 9-12 level. Her office is located at Brockton High School at 470 ForestAvenue, Brockton, MA 02301. Her telephone number is 508-580-7413.

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B rockton SchoolCommittee

Mayor John T. YunitsChair

Mary E. GillWard FourVice-Chair

Superintendent Basan NembirkowSecretary

Maurice F. HancockWard One

Avalon McLarenWard Two

Janice A. BeyerWard Three

Brian FoleyWard Five

James DaleyWard Six

Ronald F. DobrowskiWard Seven



Services for EnglishServices for EnglishServices for EnglishServices for EnglishServices for EnglishLanguage LearnersLanguage LearnersLanguage LearnersLanguage LearnersLanguage Learners

A Parent Program ManualA Parent Program ManualA Parent Program ManualA Parent Program ManualA Parent Program Manual



Welcome Page 1Mission Page 2Educational Philosophy Page 2Benefits of Knowing Two Languages Page 2Elementary Two Way Program Page 4Elementary Structured English Immersion Program Page 5Junior High Program Offerings Page 6Senior High Program Offerings Page 8Student Registration Page 10Registration Procedures Page 10Waivers Page 11Monitoring and Exiting Students fro Programs Page 12Parent Involvement Page 12Nondiscrimination Page 14Counseling Services Page 15Assessment Page 15Teacher Qualifications Page 16Community Schools Page 17Community Resources Page 18Community Facilitators Page 30Department Admnistrative Personnel Page 31

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